CASE STUDY
Columbia International University
Discover how OptEd partnered with Columbia International University to strengthen enrollment strategy, elevate the brand experience, and implement a results-driven digital presence.
By aligning digital strategy, content production, and web development, OptEd delivered an engaging, student-centered platform that supports inquiry growth and application conversions—empowering CIU to reach and inspire more prospective students in a competitive higher education landscape.
- Enrollment Strategy
- Website Development
- Print Collateral
- Digital Marketing
- Content Production
- Landing Pages
Enrollment Strategy
To support Columbia International University’s historic enrollment push for Fall 2025, CIU partnered with OptEd to deliver strategic enrollment consulting tailored to the university’s mission and growth objectives. This comprehensive effort focused on key drivers of enrollment success—refining recruitment messaging, optimizing campus visit experiences, aligning financial aid strategies, and crafting a dynamic Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP).
Through this collaborative partnership, CIU was equipped with data-driven insights and a clear roadmap for action—resulting in a record-breaking incoming class and a scalable foundation for long-term growth.
Website Development
A new digital experience was developed for Columbia International University to elevate its brand and create a stronger connection with its stakeholders.
The custom-developed website included a reimagined architecture for easier navigation and access, immersive visual designs for a more visually-appealing journey, and redesigned content to enhance user engagement. The project also introduced a stronger mobile responsive strategy to better engage prospective students and increase the performance of CIU’s enrollment funnel.
Print Collateral
With new custom designs and an elevated layout, OptEd redesigned the entire suite of print collateral for Columbia International University including a view book, search booklet, and financial aid booklet. The photography, layout, and copy of all three pieces were meticulously crafted to produce a fresh and integrated print campaign to support the university’s recruiting and enrollment efforts.
The view book would captivate prospective students with visually stunning layouts and compelling content that showcased the unique value of the university’s campus experience. The search booklet targeted potential enrollees by sparking interest with essential information and a creative snapshot of CIU. The financial aid booklet offered accessible details about tuition, scholarships, and grants to provide options, ease concerns, and promote informed decisions.
OptEd ensures every print piece is designed to engage its target audience and creatively reinforce the institution’s brand presence with custom solutions.
View Book
Search Booklet
Financial Aid Booklet
Digital Marketing
To support Columbia International University’s growth goals, OptEd developed multiple digital marketing strategies focused on engaging non-traditional populations, including online and graduate students.
By combining audience segmentation with compelling creative and performance-driven messaging, we activated campaigns across Meta, Google Ads, and email to reach prospective students. Leveraging backend analytics, we continuously optimized campaign performance, refined targeting, and identified new audience opportunities. This integrated strategy not only increased brand visibility but also led to a significant rise in qualified inquiries—ultimately contributing to record-breaking enrollment for CIU’s online and graduate programs.
Content Production
OptEd directed and captured a powerful video and photo library for Columbia International University to reflect the heart of the student experience and the spirit of the campus. Through intentional storytelling, authentic student moments, and dynamic campus visuals, each image was crafted to inspire connection and elevate CIU’s brand. From classroom interactions to chapel gatherings and everyday campus life, the curated visuals now serve as a foundational asset across digital campaigns, print materials, and recruitment tools—bringing CIU’s mission and culture to life.
Landing Pages
OptEd built conversion-focused landing pages to support CIU’s digital advertising efforts. Each page is designed to align with campaign messaging and student intent—whether exploring degrees, financial aid, or the Christian university experience. This approach creates a consistent, guided path from ad click to inquiry, ultimately supporting stronger lead capture and enrollment momentum.